Uncover Your Roots: Exploring Ancestry & Family History
One thing I have learned on this genealogy journey is that you never really know who is paying attention, who is quietly reading my blog posts, scrolling through my Facebook posts, or listening when I talk about my research and my findings. I must admit that I give my family a very hard time because... Continue Reading →
My grandmother, Gladys Denson Mays, Class of 1931 Valedictorian (standing back row center), Newport Colored Schools
One of the things I always do before a research trip is go through old research notes to see what loose ends, I have. While preparing for my trip to RootsTech and the Family Search Library, I was going through some of my research notes from the last six months. One of the things that... Continue Reading →
February has always been my favorite month of the year because it's Black History Month. I know in February I will be able to find all kinds of Black books, apparel, and information that isn't readily available in stores throughout the rest of the year. During February I know I will be able to watch... Continue Reading →
This week, my husband and I had the wonderful opportunity to be featured guests on Carolina Girl Genealogy podcast. It was such an enjoyable with conversation with Cheri Hudson Passey and her panel of GenFriends. During the interview, we talked about the passion behind our podcast, the importance of preserving family stories, and how genealogy... Continue Reading →
Leslie Mays receiving his Master's degree in Education at Arkansas State University, 1979
There was always something special about my Granny's house. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a hot cooked meal, advice, or a listening ear. For me Granny's house was where I went after school, where my family gathered for Sunday dinners, and where holidays and summer days were... Continue Reading →
Every year on April 25, we celebrate National DNA Day, commemorating the completion of the Human Genome Project and the incredible advancements in genetic science. For family historians and genealogists, DNA is more than just science. it is also a powerful tool for discovery. DNA testing has transformed the way we research our family histories.... Continue Reading →
One of the things I love most about RootsTech is the opportunity to connect in person with other genealogists I’ve come to know through social media. There’s something special about finally meeting, having real conversations, and sharing space with people whose work has inspired you from a distance. While attending the conference, I had the... Continue Reading →
I didn't have any sessions planned for this morning. So I slept in and arrived at the Salt Palace around 930am. I hung out in the expo hall this morning, walking around and talking with vendors. I also ate early today to miss the long lines. My first session wasn't until 130 today, so I... Continue Reading →
I had an 8am session again today, so I was up and out early this morning. When I walked out of the hotel, I saw it was snowing. It was cloudy, windy, and cold with light fluffy snow falling. It has snowed at least one day every year we have been to Salt Lake City... Continue Reading →
We have been preparing and talking about RootsTech 2026 for a year now, and somehow it still snuck up on me. Ready or not it was time to get going. We had a good travel day with no delays. That's always a great way to start any trip. We arrived in Salt Lake City on... Continue Reading →
Women’s History Month often brings stories of famous women who changed the world; Daisy Bates, Dorothy I. Height, Harriet Tubman, and Phyllis Wheatley whose names appear in textbooks. While those stories are important, there is another group of women whose histories deserve just as much attention: the women in our own families. The women in... Continue Reading →
Journey Through the Generations 